Cabina

Cabina is a term used in several Romance languages, notably Spanish and Italian, to denote an enclosed space assigned to a specific function. It is closely related to the English word cabin and generally refers to a small, protected room or compartment within a larger vehicle, building, or structure. The common idea is a defined space designed for a particular activity or use.

In maritime and rail contexts, a cabina refers to a private compartment or living quarters aboard ships, boats, or trains. On passenger vessels, cabins offer sleeping space; crew cabins shelter crew members. In aviation, the cabina typically designates the passenger cabin—the area where passengers sit—while the cockpit is a separate flight deck area.

The term also appears in contexts such as booths and studios. A cabina can denote a soundproof booth in recording studios, a photo booth, or a small service booth such as a cabina telefónica (telephone booth). It is used in architecture and design to describe compact, enclosed working or service spaces within larger facilities.

Linguistically, cabina is a productive root in multiple languages, often retained in borrowed phrases and place names. In everyday language, the exact meaning depends on regional usage, but the core sense remains an enclosed space dedicated to a particular function.